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The Respect for Marriage Act would “restore the rights of all lawfully married couples – including tens of thousands of same-sex couples – to receive the benefits of marriage under federal law.”

Senator Jeanne Shaheen

“All lawfully married couples deserve to receive the benefits of marriage under federal law. That’s why today I co-sponsored legislation to repeal the discriminatory Defense Of Marriage Act. I was proud to vote to repeal the military’s discriminatory Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy in December and I will continue to ……work hard to lead on issues of civil rights and
equality.”

Today the House Judiciary Committee voted to retain legislation to repeal marriage equality. This means the vote is postponed until January of 2012.  This is not the best or the worst news. Marriage equality will not be taken away this year but neither is it safe. Lawmakers just kicked the can down the road. All legislation that takes away marriage equality from committed gay and lesbian couples should be torn up and thrown away — not just put on hold. Not only will we be fighting against repeal legislation next year, we will also be fighting a constitutional amendment on the 2012 ballot. That legislation will be introduced in January 2012.

This means we continue fighting any and all attempts to repeal the law. The state Senate will be in session in April and May and might decide to take up repeal.  Any number of other activities in the legislature could come up throughout the legislative session.

Help prepare for the fight ahead.We can’t defend marriage in New Hampshire without you.